Zenith Bank (Ghana) Ltd has deepened its commitment to making significant investments in Ghana's education sector and ultimately the country’s future leaders by motivating and rewarding academic excellence.

The Bank reinforced its mission of continuous investment in the best people, technology, and environment by once again rewarding the Overall Best Student, Master David Nii Commey Ankrah from Hope College with a cash prize GH¢30,000.00 and a brand new laptop at the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Distinction Awards, held on Thursday June 26, 2025

This year’s award is on the back of the Bank’s partnership with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)  to sponsor the Overall Best WASSCE Candidate category for five years. Prior to the signing of the partnership, the Bank sponsored the Overall Best WASSCE Candidate award for the years, 2020, 2021 and 2022 presenting each winner with a laptop and a cash prize of GH¢30,000.00.

Presenting the award on behalf of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Henry Onwuzurigbo, Divisional Head of the Bank, James Wiafe Akenten, reaffirmed the Bank’s unwavering commitment to championing excellence and supporting outstanding achievement.

He emphasised that by investing in outstanding students, Zenith Bank is not only recognizing academic achievement but also nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation, uphold strong values, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“At Zenith Bank, we view every investment in the education of brilliant young minds as a strategic contribution to Ghana’s sustainable growth and future prosperity which will serve as a motivation to others to strive for the best.”

He added that initiatives like the WAEC Distinction Awards aligned perfectly with the Bank’s mission of empowering individuals and supporting institutions that are shaping the future.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu who was present at the event urged students to move with character and integrity stressing, "You can pass exams with honesty and you must preserve your integrity. Walk with your shoulders high and with confidence. Be proud of the training you have gotten from your parents and your teachers. And as I said, dream big, but act with character and act with integrity."

The Head of the National Office of WAEC, Ghana, Dr. (Mrs.) Rosemond Wilson, advised students to refrain from engaging in any form of examination malpractice, emphasizing that the awards serve as clear evidence that hard work and resilience lead to success, and that it is possible to excel without resorting to cheating.

"Technology should serve as a tool for success, growth and promoting teaching, but not compromise the credibility of our examinations,” she said.

Mrs. Wilson further charged the young awardees to go into the world as ambassadors of excellence, using their knowledge and integrity to inspire positive change wherever they find themselves.

The Acting Director-General in charge of Management Service at Ghana Education Service, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi applauded WAEC for sustaining the tradition of awarding excellence and distinction, highlighting that the ceremony was not just an opportunity to honor high performing students but also a moment to reflect on the potential of Ghana’s educational system.

“WAEC’s commitment to reward fairness and excellence continues to serve as a cornerstone for all forms of assessment in Ghana’s educational system, and I commend WAEC for sustaining this noble tradition of celebrating academic excellence,” she said.

Zenith Bank (Ghana) Ltd, since commencement of operations in 2005, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national development, with a strong focus on education as a key pillar of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda.

In line with this commitment, in March this year, the Bank commissioned a state-of-the-art Banking Clinic at the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) to provide students with practical exposure to real-world banking operations, bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice. Additionally, the Bank refurbished the Odumase M/A Basic School in the Ga West municipality of the Greater Accra Region, also in March this year, enhancing the learning environment for hundreds of pupils in the community.

These initiatives reflect Zenith Bank’s long-term vision to empower future generations through education, while contributing to the broader goal of building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce for Ghana’s socio-economic advancement.